In August 2005 was the first time I saw “According To” Google results show up in the search results. Since then, they show up for very specific queries.

I spotted an interesting thread, where a webmaster asked why is his client showing up in the Google “according to” results. The thread is at Google Webmaster Help forums, and the webmaster showed that his client ranks for the search query octopus top speed. Here is a screen capture:

The webmaster asked a valid question, i.e. how did this happen? He said:

Autocrat, a top contributor in the forum says he really doesn’t know exactly how Google shows or complies these, but he offers his two cents:

This may be similar to how Google Definitions works, but I would just be guessing.

Forum discussion at Google Webmaster Help.